Texas university campus with Spanish colonial architecture and modern network infrastructure
Updated December 2025

Best Network Admin Programs in Texas 2025

Ranking 20 accredited network administration programs across Texas universities. UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Rice lead with 85%+ graduation rates and direct connections to Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridor.

Programs Ranked20
Total in State35+
Median Salary$88,450
Job Growth+5%

Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Texas 2025

🥇 #1

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TXPublic

398 Network Administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$6K
Tuition/yr
69.0
Score
🥈 #2

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, TXPublic

60 Network Administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$6K
Tuition/yr
51.9
Score
🥉 #3

DeVry University-Texas

Irving, TXFor-Profit

3 Network Administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$14K
Tuition/yr
51.3
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Texas has 35+ accredited network administration and IT programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
  • 2.University of Texas at Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 87% graduation rate and strong industry partnerships
  • 3.Texas public universities offer excellent value at $11,698-$12,413 in-state tuition compared to national averages
  • 4.Texas network administrators earn median $88,450 annually—matching the national median (BLS Texas 2024)
  • 5.Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin provide 45,000+ network and systems administrator positions statewide

Network Administration Education in Texas

Texas offers excellent network administration programs through its extensive public university system and select private institutions. With major tech hubs in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, students have access to internships and career opportunities at companies like Dell, AT&T, ExxonMobil, and numerous growing startups.

For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national network administration rankings. Students interested in related fields should explore our cybersecurity programs in Texas or information technology programs in Texas. Career-focused students can review our comprehensive network administration career guide for Texas-specific salary data and job market insights.

Texas's no state income tax policy makes it particularly attractive for tech professionals, allowing network administrators to keep more of their earnings compared to high-tax states. The state's business-friendly environment has attracted major corporations to establish data centers and IT operations throughout the state.

Texas Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TXPublic$6,23969
2Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands, TXPublic$5,54451.9
3DeVry University-TexasIrving, TXFor-Profit$14,39251.3
4The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TXPublic$7,63796%46.7
5Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TXPublic$5,85682%43.9
6Dallas Baptist UniversityDallas, TXPrivate$36,51095%43.1
7Our Lady of the Lake UniversitySan Antonio, TXPrivate$30,80442.9
8University of North TexasDenton, TXPublic$8,31970%40.7
9Hallmark UniversitySan Antonio, TXPrivate$039.5
10Collin County Community College DistrictMcKinney, TXPublic$3,45089%37.9
11Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo, TXPublic$4,49534.2
Texas Public UniversitiesTexas Private Universities
Average Tuition
Class Sizes
Industry Connections
Varies by location
Research Opportunities
Job Placement Rate
Alumni Network
Strong in Texas
#1

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TXPublic

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $6,239 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Network Administration Graduates: 398 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Ranking Score: 69.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 398 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 69.0 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (398 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TXPublic

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $11,678 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Network Administration Graduates: 28 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 29%
  • Ranking Score: 61.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 89% graduation rate
  • 28 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 61.6 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (29% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#32 Designations

University of Houston

Houston, TXPublic

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $8,685 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Network Administration Graduates: 36 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Ranking Score: 55.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 36 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 55.1 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (36 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The Master of Science in Engineering Technology Network Communications track is a STEM-qualifying degree that builds upon ABET-accredited bachelor's programs and provides advanced knowledge of computer networks with diverse coursework in networking fundamentals, security, protocols, and emerging technologies like optical networking and wireless networks. The program encourages practical experiences through industry partnerships and prepares graduates for vital engineering management roles in energy, healthcare, telecommunications and aerospace industries.

Program Accreditations & Designations
ABET
ETAC
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 2.75
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 30 Semester Hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Network Communications
#4

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, TXPublic

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $5,544 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Network Administration Graduates: 60 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • Ranking Score: 54.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 60 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 54.5 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (60 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

University of Dallas

Irving, TXPrivate

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • Annual Tuition: $47,300 (in-state)
  • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • Network Administration Graduates: 59 annually
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Ranking Score: 53.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 59 network administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 53.5 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (59 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$58,000
Starting Salary
$88,450
Mid-Career
+5%
Job Growth
4,200
Annual Openings

Career Paths

Network Administrator

SOC 15-1244
+5%

Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for organizations. Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure network security.

Median Salary:$88,450

Network Systems Administrator

SOC 15-1244
+5%

Manage and maintain network infrastructure including servers, routers, switches, and firewalls. Implement network policies and security measures.

Median Salary:$92,380

IT Support Specialist

SOC 15-1232
+6%

Provide technical support for network-related issues, help desk services, and user training. Often serves as entry-level position in network administration.

Median Salary:$58,640

Focus on securing network infrastructure, implementing security protocols, and monitoring for potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Median Salary:$112,000

Cloud Network Engineer

SOC 15-1243
+15%

Design and manage cloud-based network infrastructure using AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms. Growing field with high demand.

Median Salary:$105,000

Texas University Systems for Network Administration

Texas offers network administration education through several major university systems, each with unique strengths and focus areas

The University of Texas System provides the state's flagship programs, with UT Austin leading in information systems and UT Dallas offering specialized networking tracks. The system's proximity to major tech hubs in Austin and Dallas provides excellent internship and career opportunities.

The Texas A&M University System emphasizes practical, hands-on education with strong industry connections, particularly in the energy sector. Texas A&M's main campus offers comprehensive IT programs, while satellite campuses provide regional access to quality education.

Texas State University System schools like Texas State and Sam Houston State focus on career preparation with smaller class sizes and personalized attention. These programs often have strong local industry partnerships and excellent job placement rates.

For students interested in related technical fields, Texas also offers excellent cybersecurity programs and information technology programs that complement network administration studies.

Other Tech Degree Programs in Texas

Network Administration Programs by State

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Texas if you want:
  • Excellent value with low in-state tuition ($11,000-$14,000 annually)
  • No state income tax maximizing your future salary potential
  • Access to major tech hubs in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston
  • Strong job market with 45,000+ network administrator positions statewide
  • Connections to energy, healthcare, and technology industries
  • Warm climate and growing tech ecosystem
  • Business-friendly environment attracting major corporations
Consider other states if you need:
  • More prestigious program rankings (California, Massachusetts)
  • Higher starting salaries despite higher costs (California, New York)
  • Specialized networking programs not available in Texas
  • Different climate or lifestyle preferences
  • Specific industry focuses like finance (New York) or entertainment (California)

Texas Network Administration Programs FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Network Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

State-specific network administration salaries from BLS OES 2024

Related Resources

Data Sources and Methodology

Graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions

Texas-specific salary data for network administrators and related occupations

State job market projections and employment statistics

Federal education statistics and program outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)

Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.